The 8 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent before Spring Storms

The 8 questions you should ask your agent before spring!

Texas leads the nation in hail and wind losses, so carriers frequently change rules mid-policy term or at renewal. Asking these questions annually can prevent major surprises

after a storm.

1. Do I have wind and hail coverage, or is it excluded?

Some policies limit or exclude wind/hail entirely or move it to a separate deductible.

2. What is my wind/hail deductible?
Many are factoring between 1% - 3% of your home’s insured value. A 2% deductible

on a $450,000 home is $9,000 out of pocket (even more if you have an ACV policy)!

3. Do I have a Replacement Cost Value Policy (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV)?
ACV policies will subtract the depreciation and will not issue that portion of the
payment because it is considered non-recoverable. With RCV policies, the
depreciation is recoverable. Also, be aware that some carriers have an
endorsement called a Roof Payment Schedule (or Roof Surface Payment Schedule)

that uses a sliding scale to reduce the payout percentage as the roof gets older.

4. At what age (if any) will my coverage change or diminish?
Newer policies allow diminishing coverage once the roof is 10 years old, even if it’s

still in good condition.

5. Are there any exclusions in my policy, such as dents on metal vents/flashing?
This may not amount to much on an asphalt shingle roof, but it still affects replacing
the roof properly. Drip edge and flashings are part of your roof system and often

times will require replacement. If you have a metal roof, this is a big concern!

6. How long do I have to file a wind or hail claim in Texas?
Texas has strict guidelines and waiting too long can impact your claim’s approval.
This should never be used by a roofing contractor to rush you through the process,

but you will benefit from knowing.

7. Will filing a wind or hail claim raise my rates or risk non-renewal?
Not all claims affect premiums the same way. You should ask how CAT
(Catastrophe) claims are handled versus smaller claim. Many roofers will
encourage you to file a claim even if it is not necessary (they have nothing to lose)
but that is not an ethical way of doing business. Ask a trusted roofing contractor to

inspect the roof & take photos for you to review before filing a claim.

8. Are there any exclusions or gaps in my coverage that I should know about?
Be sure to also ask specifically about ordinance & law / code upgrade coverage. You
can also ask about any riders, endorsements, or amendments that affect your
coverage.

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Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

By Kyle Davis • February 23, 2026

A Repair is usually the best option when the issue is localized and your roof is still relatively young. Consider repairing if: 1. Damage Is Limited to One Area If only a small section has missing shingles or damaged flashing, a targeted repair can be the best option. 2. Your Roof Is Only A Few Years Old In Texas, asphalt roofs last an average of 12 to 15 years. If yours is only a few years old and has not been damaged by hail or significant wind, a repair could be the right call. 3. You Need a Short-Term Solution If you plan to sell your home soon or need a temporary fix before a larger project, a repair may be the practical choice. Replacement is usually smarter when problems are widespread or your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Consider replacement if: 1. Damage Is Extensive If a large amount of your roof is affected, repairs can become patchwork and cost nearly as much as replacement. 2. The Roof Is Nearing the End of Its Life Even if damage looks minor, an aging roof may fail sooner rather than later. Replacing can prevent repeated repair bills. Also, be sure to check that your insurance carrier will not diminish your coverage due to an older roof. Many policies are changing in Texas. 3. You Have Multiple Leaks Several leak points often indicate underlying system failure rather than isolated damage. 4. Storm Damage Compromised the System After major hail or wind storms, your roof damage may not always be visible from the ground but it can shorten roof life significantly. Also, keep in mind that your insurance company expects their homeowners and business owners to take steps to mitigate further damage. Insurance may cover sudden and accidental damage — but not additional damage that happens because the owner failed to act.